r/taylorguitars

I’ve been on a “am I finally going to break down and buy a 814ce” bender lately. They are very hard to come by locally where I live so online will probably be where I go. Been looking at the builders edition at Sweetwater: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/814ceBERWAD--taylor-next-generation-builders-edition-814ce-adirondack-spruce-rosewood-acoustic-electric-guitar-natural-with-kona-edgeburst

However, the uneven finish on the top are kinda holding me back at this point. I know they are in pieces and that is why, but dropping 5k on a guitar I kinda don’t like the top to is holding me back. Are all 814s like this?

About 10 years ago I played a 114E at Sweetwater. I loved it. I told my wife that's what I wanted. I chose it over a lovely Guild, a similarly priced Yamaha, and a few others in the same price point. I sold some of my guitars, my wife and my mother put money together to buy this guitar for me. It was going to be a replacement for my Epiphone that was a nightmare to play.

My wife picks up a 114E and gifts it to me. The action was way too high. Taylor has me take it to Sweetwater for assessment. Sweetwater does a neck reset. Action is still on the higher side, but I suffer with it for a few years. Take it to a luthier who adjusts the truss rod and shaves down the saddle. Better. Says I'll need a neck reset to lower the action further.

In frustration with having a guitar that was never right, never came close to the demo guitar, I send a letter to Andy Powers telling him the story of the guitar I wanted to love. He responded very quickly, agreed that I shouldn't have to struggle with my guitar, makes arrangements for my guitar to be shipped to California for repair.

I just got it back yesterday. Truss rod adjustment, neck reset, new nut and saddle, neck sanded and all frets replaced. I finally have the guitar I wanted. Is the action exactly the same as the demo I played? Not 100%. Is the guitar in the best shape its ever been? Yes, better than when it was new. I can play on the higher frets now with more ease.

Consider me a happy Taylor owner. I was seriously considering selling and never looking back at the brand. Andy and Glenn's handling of my situation have changed my mind. Thank you to everyone at Taylor for fixing my guitar.

I don't believe there are many brands that would respond this quick and go to these lengths to make a situation right.